Market Outlook

Lettuce:

The Iceberg market is strong with supplies extremely limited. Yuma has experienced very cold weather which has damaged crops and slowed growth. Shippers are advising that we will see some blister and epidermal peel on arrival.

Leaf:

California leaf market is very strong and we are experiencing the same challenges as we are with Iceberg.

Broccoli:

Broccoli market is strong as cold weather is keeping the plants from growing. Broccoli is in very short supply.

Cauliflower:

The cauliflower market is stronger due to the cold weather. Availability is spotty with better availability on off sizes. Quality has been good, but on the small side.

Carrots:

Carrot market is much stronger as Canada is finishing and availability on quality product is poor.

Georgia has started, but with very limited supplies. We will have Mexican product arriving 1/16.

Celery:

The celery market is steady on Eastern product. Western product has firmed up a few dollars as celery is being used as a fill item due to shortage of other items. Quality has been very good.

Strawberries:

Strawberry market has gone up again for next week coming out of Florida. Quality has been fair to good.

Potatoes:

Market has gone up slightly again for next week as the potato market continues its trend upward. Both trucks and rail freight are very tight.

Onions:

The market is steady going into next week. Product is plentiful and quality has been very nice. Trucks are still very tight loading out of Oregon.

Citrus:

The California lemon market is steady to up a few dollars on larger fruit. 165’s and smaller fruit are much higher as the harvest is sizing larger. The Navel market is steady with very nice fruit. Lime market is active with limited crossings from Mexico. This trend is expected to continue. Quality has been good overall.

Cucumbers:

Cucumbers have tightened back up for next week due to the cold nights in Florida. Quality has been good.

Peppers

The Green pepper market has softened slightly. Quality has been good.

Tomatoes:

The round tomato market is steady to lower. Grapes and cherries are steady and romas are steady to up a few dollars.

We will have our first arrival on off shore grapes at the end of this week. Quality is being reported as very good, but sizing is to the smaller side.

Yuma products are stronger across the board. We are seeing products being pro-rated as much as 80% off of 6 week average sales volume. Trucks are being held waiting on product that is in short supply which in turn leads to late arrivals and some out of stock issues.

Green and yellow squash are expected to strengthen as both Florida and Mexico are experiencing cooler weather.

 

 

Recipe of the Week

Broccoli Rabe Stuffed Chicken with Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

4 skinless chicken breast halves

2 bunches Andy Boy broccoli rabe, trimmed

4 slices prosciutto

6 sun-dried tomato halves, julienned

1 small shallot, minced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 C olive oil

2 C homemade or jarred tomato sauce

2 T capers finely chopped

1/3 C sliced Italian olives

2 T finely chopped Italian parsley Salt and freshly ground parsley

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Heat up 2 T olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté Andy Boy broccoli rabe, along with shallots, garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.

Pound chicken breast (skin side down) until flat. Top with prosciutto and add 1/8 of the broccoli rabe mixture. Roll up and tie. Brown in 2 T of olive oil and then bake for 25 minutes or until done. Let set.

Warm the tomato sauce and add the capers and olives. To serve, Spoon 4 T sauce onto plate. Make a bed of broccoli rabe mixture and set sliced chicken breast on top. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.